Val the Viking invades Limerick libraries to help young kids discover the joy of reading

LIMERICK City and County Council has launched a new community engagement initiative in association with Limerick libraries, designed to help young learners to discover the joy of reading.

At the heart of the initiative is Val the Viking, a friendly and curious character inspired by Limerick’s rich Viking heritage.

Created by the Council’s Marketing and Communications Department, Val’s story begins when he arrived in Limerick around 922 AD before stumbling upon a magical portal that transports him to modern-day Limerick.

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Through Val’s adventures, children are invited to explore the city and county, learning about its history, energy, and imagination along the way.

The launch event at Limerick City Library, where children from Scoil Íosagáin CBS, enjoyed interactive reading sessions, colouring activities, and the first look at the new Val the Viking packs.

Each pack includes a Discover Limerick activity book, a Val the Viking badge, Val the Viking sticker, a pack of crayons, and a bookmark that helps young readers to discover their Viking name as they set out on their own adventure through books, stories, and imagination.

The packs are now available for collection at all Limerick library branches and are subject to availability.

Brenda Frawley, senior executive officer, Limerick libraries, said: “Val the Viking gives us a creative way to introduce children to reading and to the stories of their community.”